Utah Jazz: Five Silver Linings From the Two-Game Skid

Jan 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) fends off Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) fends off Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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Utah Jazz Gordon Hayward Coach Quin Snyder
Feb 29, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder (right) speaks to forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

2) Rudy Gobert & Gordon Hayward Are Still Playing Like All-Stars

The losses notwithstanding, there’s no question that the Jazz got the best from their best players. A dip in their win-loss record could affect the ability of Gordon Hayward and/or Rudy Gobert to receive their first All-Star nods, but their individual efforts did nothing to weaken their resumes.

Against his former college coach, Brad Stevens, Hayward was the man. He scored 23 points in the game, made 50 percent of his field goals and hit three three-pointers. Then, in a “bad” game against Kyle Lowry and Co., he made half of his shots again, made two threes and scored 16 points.

Meanwhile, Gobert had 15 points, 16 rebounds and three blocked shots against Toronto. He only made 3-of-10 shots in the game, but still found a way to score efficiently, hitting 9-of-10 foul shots.

If the duo continues to play at this level, Utah’s losing streak could be short-lived.

Next: Big Returns